Ray Sotero: Allmendinger makes Indy debut

4:24 AM,
May 15, 2013

Written by

Ray Sotero

An historic debut by a talented local ''rookie" is receiving national attention as he competes against a handful of Californians vying to join the 33-slot starting grid for the May 26 Indianapolis 500.

Noteworthy for how this is his second chance at top-tier racing, AJ Allmendinger of Hollister impressed as he sailed through the track's Rookie Orientation Program this past weekend and within a few hours set his personal best on the 2.5 mile superspeedway: More than 221 mph.

Rookie? Hardly. But despite how he has won multiple open-wheel championships and events, including a string of five ...